Drought not a problem only in Maharashtra, shifting IPL matches not a solution: VVS Laxman

Drought not a problem only in Maharashtra, shifting IPL matches not a solution: VVS Laxman

Former India batsman VVS Laxman said moving Indian Premier League matches out of Maharashtra cannot be a solution to deal with the drought problem in Maharashtra.

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IndiaToday.in

Hyderabad

April 7, 2016

UPDATED: April 7, 2016 19:32 IST

VVS Laxman said shortage of water has affected the whole country. (Image credit: Twitter)

Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman has said that shifting the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches out of drought-hit Maharashtra is not a solution for what is now a national problem.

"I don't think that it is a solution. You have to find out the root cause of the main problem. As I mentioned, it's been bad as far as monsoons are concerned. It's not only a problem in one state but throughout the country. So, shifting from Mumbai will not be a real solution," the former India batsman said in Hyderabad. (IPL's first match as scheduled in Mumbai)

A PIL was filed in the High Court on Tuesday which sought a direction to the IPL chairman to pay tax on usage of water, claiming that about 60,000 litres of water would be needed every day to maintain the pitches.

Asserting that shortage of water is a fallout of global warming and climate change, Laxman said it is a phenomenon that affects the whole country.

"Identify the root cause and I am sure the government is looking into it and the necessary departments have to take all the precautions so that it does not happen. Because, this is going to be a problem. We have seen so much of global warming," said Laxman. (Maharashtra drought catches Indian Premier League off guard)

"One of the major effects is climate change which indirectly will affect the water. We have seen that in the past. It affects the country, not one or two cities." (Clash of captains as IPL returns)

IPL, besides helping young cricketers to learn from some of the experienced players, also adds to the economy of the country, Laxman claimed.

"Both are very crucial. I definitely feel for the farmers, what they are going through. This year, because of a bad monsoon, there is a lot of water shortage. Not only for farmers, but throughout the country, there is a lot of water shortage. I know everyone is looking for negatives as far as IPL is concerned," said the right-handed batsman. (IPL 2016 complete team list)

"There are a lot of benefits. It is a game which not only helps youngsters learn from some of the exceptional talent from India, but also all over the world. It also adds to the economy of the country." he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

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